Homicide rattles quiet Whitby neighbourhood

Durham police are investigating their first homicide of the year after a man was found dead in Whitby early Saturday morning.

Homicide rattles quiet Whitby neighbourhood

Ron Pietroniro / Metroland

WHITBY -- Durham Police were still at the scene investigating the first homicide of 2013 after a man was found early Saturday morning with signs of trauma. Police tape still cordoned off the home on McCullough Dr, the 30 year old victim died in hospital on Saturday . February 24, 2013.

The house is owned by a nuclear plant worker in his late-20s named Richard, according to Ms. Baker. Another tenant named Adam, also in his 20s, lives there as well. The trio moved in two years ago.

"They were the young pups of the street," said Ms. Baker. "We were surprised a bunch of young people would move into a neighbourhood like this. The majority of people here are retired."

Neighbours said the home on McCullough Drive has been notorious on the street for its loud parties.

"We weren't really surprised by what happened," said one neighbour. "There are constantly parties there. Constantly people coming and going. Earlier in the summer, we found two of his guests sleeping on our lawn, drunk."

Two months ago, police were called to the house for a fight that broke out in front of it, according Ms. Baker.

"Somebody got punched in the face and fell and hit their head on the road," she said.

On Saturday afternoon, as police continued to investigate the scene, a pickup truck was parked on the driveway and a for-sale sign sat on the lawn.

Ms. Baker said Richard had told her he sold the house to a middle-aged couple two weeks ago.

"We've never, ever seen anything like this," she said. "I just can't get it out of my mind. This is such a quiet neighbourhood."

Anyone with any new information that might assist police is asked to contact the Major Crime Homicide Unit at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 5400.

Anonymous tips can be made to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or on the website at www.durhamregionalcrimestoppers.ca and tipsters are eligible for a cash reward of up to $2,000.